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Jamaican Dogwood Bark Piscidia erythrina |
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A powerful sedative and anodyne, used in the West Indies as a fish poison, but popular for easing pain, insomnia & nervous tension |
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| Jamaican dogwood bark comes from a tree of the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family which is indigenous to the West Indies, Florida, Mexico, and the northern parts of South America, which produces pods with four projecting longitudinal wings. The tree is valued for its wood as well as its bark. The young branches and leaves were traditionally pounded and placed into a crate which was dropped into the water and swirled around until the water became filled with the liquid from the pounded leaves and saplings which would stun the fish causing them to float to the surface where they were quickly and easily caught. Fortunately, the bark is not poisonous to humans, who value it as a strong sedative and anodyne. The bark is sliced into pieces approximately one or two inches long and about an inch wide. The outer surface of the bark is a yellowish to grayish brown color, with the inner bark being lighter colored or whitish. Inside the bark is fibrous and the color is dark brown. The bark has a bitter acrid taste with a disagreeable odor. Jamaican dogwood bark is a powerful remedy for treating painful conditions such as migraine, ovarian and uterine pain, dysmenorrhea and neuralgia. It is a very effective treatment for insomnia, which is perhaps its most popular use. It aids in promoting a quiet, restful sleep, particularly when sleeplessness is due to anxiety, mental worries, and nervous excitement. It is also used for fever, inflammation, rheumatism, and toothaches. The chemical constituents of the barkinclude the saponin glycosides piscidin, jamaicin, ichthyone; flavonoids including piscidine, piscerythrone, rotenone, sumatrol, lisetin; and a resin. Little scientific research has been conducted regarding the traditional uses of the plant, which have yet to be validated by modern medicine. The active ingredients are unknown. Jamaican dogwood bark should not be taken in conjunction with prescription sedatives such as valium, seconal, etc. nor should it be taken by people with heart problems. Excessively large doses can cause toxic side effects including sweating, drooling, numbness, nausea, or extreme tiredness. Do not use frequently for long periods of time. Do not use if pregnant or lactating. |